Mickey Utley to perform at hometown concert

BROWNSVILLE TN (AUGUST 1, 2015):Country recording artist Mickey Utley will play his hometown Saturday, August 15, at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. The free “Concert on the Porch” will also feature old-time string band Wildwood Express and begins at 7 p.m.

Utley grew up in Haywood County just 10 miles down the road from Nutbush, the home of legendary Tina Turner. His early influences of local blues, rock and country are perhaps the reason for his “blue-eyed soul” style. He began honing his guitar and vocal skills in his teens when he spent his summers performing at Libertyland in Memphis. Since then he has played across the country, including Las Vegas and the casino circuit.

Utley garnered an international following after spending an extended time performing for Carnival and Royal Norwegian Cruise Lines. He recently signed with Tuff Duck Records in Jackson, Tenn., and returned home to write and “get back to my roots.”

Many of Utley’s songs are originals, and include one featured on several episodes of the hit television series “Jersey Shores” and three albums. His most recent release, “Get it! Get it,!” was recorded at Jaxon Records.

Joining Utley for this hometown performance will be another Brownsville native, Sammy Flagg. Flagg has performed with Utley for a number of years and is well-known for his bass skills. Rounding out the band is Shane Russell on drums and former Jefferson Starship guitarist Tony Rossi.

The evening will also include the music of Wildwood Express, another area favorite and frequent performer on the porch. All members of the Jackson Tennessee Area Plectral Society, they specialize in performing and preserving the old time stringed music including bluegrass gospel, instrumentals and old time country. Instruments of choice include the banjo, dulcimer, mandolin, upright bass and guitar. The band is made up of Grover Westover, Paul Jackson, Gary Spraggins and Coley and Marilyn Graves.

Bleacher seating is available or bring lawn chairs for the outdoor concert. Concessions will be available on site. You are also welcome to bring a picnic or visit the surrounding restaurants.

Concert on the Porch is presented free to the public and offered once a month June through September at the Delta Heritage Center in Brownsville, Tenn. For a complete schedule of upcoming concerts, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.

About the Center: The West Tennessee Delta Heritage Center offers a refreshing Southern experience showcasing the history and culture of rural West Tennessee. Inside visitors can learn about the history of cotton, explore the scenic and “wild” Hatchie River and get to know the legendary musicians who call West Tennessee home. Also located on the grounds are Flagg Grove School, the childhood school of Tina Turner, and the last home of Blues pioneer Sleepy John Estes. To learn more about the Center, visit www.westtnheritage.com or call 731-779-9000.